/PG/ Chelmsford [England] (Signal High) for BadCop.Online —– A senior commander with the Essex Police Force has been dismissed over on-duty sexual misconduct.
Chief Superintendent Tom Simons was found to have “abused his position for sexual purposes” with two women, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Simons was found to have touched a colleague inappropriately, and failed to disclose a relationship with another. His misconduct continued despite being reminded about the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
Several allegations were made against Simons in March 2022, and the cases were referred to the IOPC. Simons was suspended at that time. The IOPC interviewed Simons under a criminal caution, executed a search warrant of his house, and checked his mobile phone as part of the investigation. In January 2024, the IOPC referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for criminal charges, but it was decided in June that he would not be charged criminally for his actions.
At one point, the IOPC tried to keep Simon’s name from the press; however, bowing to political and public pressure, named him publicly. An IOPC survey recently revealed that only 40% of the public believe the agency is doing a good job. Some say the IOPC is a cover for police officers — a clearing house.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy of the Bedfordshire Police led a special panel and determined that Simons committed gross misconduct, and breached the police professional standards of behaviour. Simons was dismissed without notice and barred from policing.
Simons has denied the allegations.
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